MFNSS hosts its first esports conference at the RBC Convention Centre

Last month in October, MFNSS invited students to participate in its inaugural esports conference held at the RBC Convention Centre.  Students competed with their respective esports teams and met their opponents in person during this whole day event.  Two dozen students from Sergeant Tommy Prince School and Ginew School competed in this year’s competition. The energy was high as they had to collaborate and work closely as a team in this esports competition.  

Using resource and behavior packs from Manito Ahbee Aki, a specialized edition of Minecraft Education mirroring pre-colonization Anishinaabe society, students constructed maps that alter the appearance and functionality of the world-building game.

“Here, they’re working as a team. They’re working in the light. And they’re working on their teamwork skills and communication and collaboration,” said Karl Hildebrandt, the education technology facilitator at MFNSS. “That’s the educational piece out of it. Minecraft’s the hook.” 

Naeyli Desjarlais (pictured), a 14-year-old Grade 9 student from Brokenhead First Nation, proudly displays her design award. Her team clinched the top prize for their creation, which featured a pixelated representation of a residential school, graves, and flowers.